What is the comparative form of “late”?
The comparative form of “late” is “later”.Example
She arrived later than expected.
Example
He finished his work later than usual.
What is the superlative form of “late”?
The superlative form of “late” is “latest”.Example
Among all the students, she submitted her assignment the latest.
Example
The train arrived at the station at the latest time.
Why is this expression not used with most, more?
'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with late, later, and latest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more late' and 'most late' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, later and latest are the correct and preferred forms to use.
Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?
Late does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Late → Later Superlative: Late → Latest
Expressions with similar meanings to “later”
Used to describe something that is happening at a later time than planned or expected
Example
The train was delayed by an hour due to maintenance work.
Used to describe someone who is consistently late or slow in their actions
Example
He is always tardy to meetings, which annoys his colleagues.
Expressions with similar meanings to “latest”
Similar to latest, this emphasizes that something is happening at the furthest point in time from the expected or planned time
Example
The flight was canceled and rescheduled for the most delayed departure time.
Example
He is always the most tardy employee, often arriving hours after everyone else.
Using than with comparative “later”
When using the comparative form later to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "She arrived later than her friend." Here, than is used to show that the time of 'her' arrival is later than the time of her friend's arrival.
How can I use this expression in context?
“later” and “latest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.- 1Appointments
He scheduled his dentist appointment for later in the day.
He scheduled his dentist appointment for later in the day.
- 2Deadlines
The report needs to be submitted by the latest date.
The report needs to be submitted by the latest date.
- 3Arrivals
The train from New York arrived later than expected.
The train from New York arrived later than expected.
- 4Departures
The flight to London has the latest departure time.
The flight to London has the latest departure time.
- 5Events
The concert starts later tonight.
The concert starts later tonight.
Related idioms and phrases
Better late than never
It's better to do something late than to not do it at all.
Example
Even though he missed the deadline, he still submitted the report. Better late than never.
Running out of time
Not having enough time to complete a task or reach a goal.
Example
With only a few minutes left, she was running out of time to finish the exam.
Time is of the essence
Time is valuable and should not be wasted.
Example
We need to act quickly because time is of the essence in this situation.
